I was at the beach recently. As I basked in the sun in my swimsuit, a peculiar analogy dawned on me. The comparison had something to do with my swimsuit and the size of my hands. Let’s take a look at this photo:

If I post photos in the net like the one above, I am almost sure that I can go about my life normally knowing that general public will openly accept me. However, the photos I post in this site are similar to this one below:

Posting pics like the one above requires me to hide most of my face and my true identity. Obviously, the nature of the above photo is frowned upon by some members of society. I actually find this very puzzling. To illustrate this point, take a look at the pic below:

As you can see, the surface area of my bikini top and bottom is basically the same as my hands. Hence, my hands practically cover the same amount of skin as my swimwear.

However, the photo of me in a bikini does not elicit the same response as the photo of me with my hands covering my body parts. Why? Is it because of the idea that I am completely naked in the other pic? Is it because bikinis are more common? I want to hear your thoughts.

In a previous post few weeks ago, I asked you if you thought posting nude pics of yourself in the net is good or bad. I knew there was going to be a variety of reactions – and I would like to thank you for that.

I found myself completely absorbed and fascinated with your thoughtful opinions (here and through email). There was an assortment of answers, complete with views that I do not agree with. And that’s perfectly alright.

I do not think that you are an evil ogre if we do not share similar opinions. Two people may both believe in the same Christ but their levels of faith certainly vary. This is so because morality speaks of a person’s understanding and interpretation of certain principles that govern his or her own behavior. As such, if every single individual is unique, then every single view about morality is likewise unique.

Contrary to what some people believe, this isn’t a question I was going to use to justify my actions, or preach my views about the morality of the whole issue of my being an internet “closet exhibitionist.” In fact, my answer to the question is actually related to one of my many passions: the love for food.

I enjoy the experience of eating. I enjoy it too much that my practice is more often over-the-top. I love a good steak but it has to have the most marbling, cooked medium-rare, and paired with a cabernet sauvignon, at the very least. I cannot resist perfectly prepared vongole pasta made with the freshest clams and a glass of chianti. I often look for assorted sashimi with cold sake or Japanese beer. I enjoy sucking bone marrow from slow-roasted lamb shanks with a glass of strong Bordeaux. My peking duck must always be served at least two ways, and with light beer for drinks. My barbecues should always go with mojitos, and my chips, with margaritas.

Obviously, my love for food is excessive, ostentatious, and hedonistic. Hence, I do not think it is a good thing. But I will not deny myself this pleasure because I have the means for it and I delight in it. I am answerable to the consequences of my own extravagance. As long as my indulgence is done responsibly and I do not wrong other people, I don’t see why I should stop.

The same goes with my practice of posting nude photos of myself in this blog site. Like my love for food, it is excessive, ostentatious, and hedonistic. I do not think it is a good thing. It is bad, no questions, not a second thought. But like my love for food, I will not deny myself this pleasure because I have the means for it and I delight in it. Like my love for food, I am answerable to the consequences of my own extravagance. Like my love for food, as long as my indulgence is done responsibly, and I do not wrong other people, I don’t see why I should stop.

So if you will please excuse me, I am off to get myself a serving of cochinillo with ice cold sangria. Why? Because I have a craving for it and I know it will be so damn good.